Former Boxer Holds Two Doctors Hostage Before Escaping

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

On October 3, a tense situation unfolded in Bangkok's Soi Inthamara 29, when a former Thai boxer took two doctors and a woman hostage in a residential home. The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Santith, was already wanted under an arrest warrant issued by the Tao Pun Police Station for various charges, including nighttime burglary and property damage.

 

The events began when police were executing a plan to arrest Santith in Soi Inthamara 29, near the location of his last known whereabouts. As officers closed in on him, he opened fire to create a distraction, allowing him to escape and evade capture.

 

He jumped over a wall and entered a home at number 274/1, where he took three people hostage—two men and a woman. Fortunately, the woman managed to escape early in the ordeal.

 

Following the hostage situation, the Tao Pun police coordinated with the Bang Sue police and the special operations unit, known as the Hanuman team, to surround the house. Officers attempted to negotiate Santith's surrender while utilizing drones to monitor the area from above.

 

Investigators revealed that Santith, also known by his boxing name "Ritthidet," had a past as a professional boxer and had worked as a trainer. His penchant for firearms raised concerns among authorities about his willingness to resort to violence.

 

Later that evening, police officials including Acting Police Chief Kittirat Phanphet, Metropolitan Police Commander Thiti Saengsawang, and various other high-ranking officers arrived at the scene to oversee the situation.

Around 12:30 AM on October 4, Acting Police Chief Kittirat announced that they had successfully rescued the two doctors held hostage. The doctors, named Dr. Mak, aged 30, and Dr. Chang, aged 31, are siblings and both unharmed during the incident. The woman who had previously escaped was also found to be safe.

 

Despite the successful rescue, Santith managed to flee from the back of the house. As of now, police are actively pursuing leads on his escape route, employing tactical strategies to apprehend him. Authorities assured the public that they were prepared to capture him and bring him to justice. Observations indicated that Santith did not intend to harm anyone; his primary goal appeared to be evading police capture.

 

The entire ordeal has raised concerns about public safety in the area, prompting police to enhance their patrols and investigate any potential connections Santith may have with organized crime. Officials emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged residents to report any suspicious activities.

 

As the manhunt continues, police remain optimistic about capturing Santith. They believe that their investigative tactics and increased police presence in the area will soon lead to his apprehension.

 

The community is relieved that the hostages are safe, but they continue to grapple with the implications of such a dangerous incident occurring so close to home, reported Daily News.

 

In conclusion, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of crime and the constant need for law enforcement vigilance. The police's swift actions ensured the safety of the hostages, and they are committed to bringing the suspect to justice as soon as possible.

 

-- 2024-10-04

 

[Korat Kiwi]

So they surrounded the house with all these 'specialists' and the perp still got away... Amazing. 

[Gottfrid]

23 minutes ago, webfact said:

Despite the successful rescue, Santith managed to flee from the back of the house.

That is really professional. Two police stations and the hanuman team let the perp run away. 🤣

 

24 minutes ago, webfact said:

Following the hostage situation, the Tao Pun police coordinated with the Bang Sue police and the special operations unit, known as the Hanuman team, to surround the house.

Apparently a very surrounded house, or do they have Viet Cong tunnels under the house?